CleanBeta

How to Build A Solar Panel in Your Kitchen

These instructions are for building a “a more portable version of the solar cell in a flat panel form . . . [with the] clear plastic top from a plastic CD jewel case as the window, and lots of silicone rubber glue to both attach the pieces together and to insulate them from each other.” The instructions originally appeared on an excellent DIY science website call Science Toys. Readers who intend to attempt this admittedly daunting feat should review the instructions in their original form and pay particular attention to the helpful photographs attached to each step (and not included below). If you’re interested in learning how solar panels work, WiseGeek has written a very helpful summary. The instructions with photos can be found here. In addition, following the list of instructions provided below are several helpful resources for solar enthusiasts . . .

Step One

Build a cuprous oxide plate like those used in solar cells. Sand one corner of the plate down until you hit copper and then solder an insulated copper wire to it for the negative lead.

Step Two

The positive plate is cut from the copper sheeting in the shape of the letter “U.” It should be slightly bigger than the cuprous oxide plate. The cutout portion of the U should be slightly smaller than the cuprous oxide plate. Another insulated copper wire is soldered to one corner of the U.

Step Three

Glue the U shaped copper plate to the plastic window using lots of silicone glue so the saltwater doesn’t escape. Make sure that the solder connection is either completely covered with glue, or is outside of the glue U.

Step Four

Apply a large bead of glue to the U shaped clean copper plate as an insulator between the clean copper plate and the cuprous oxide plate. Make sure it is thick enough to leave some room for the saltwater. In addition,the copper should not be entirely covered because part of it needs to make contact with the saltwater. Press the cuprous oxide plate on this layer of glue lightly but hard enough for the glue to close any gaps and NOT so hard that the two plates touch. Wait until the glue has cured before proceeding to the next step.

Step Five

Add the saltwater with a large eyedropper. Fill the cell up almost to the top of the copper plate and then seal the funnel with another bead of glue. Let the glue cure for at least a half hour

If you want to learn more about solar energy or solar panels, the following links should be helpful

Solar4Power — The Basics of Solar Power

National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s Solar Resources

Solar Panel Wiki